The Evolution of Black Friday- Tracing the Origins and Growth of the Largest Shopping Day in the United States
When did Black Friday start in? This question has intrigued many shoppers and historians alike. Black Friday, a day synonymous with massive discounts and bustling shopping malls, has a rich history that dates back several decades. Understanding its origins can provide insight into the evolution of this shopping phenomenon.
Black Friday got its name from the fact that retailers would traditionally “turn black” on this day, indicating a shift from a loss to a profit for the year. However, the exact year when Black Friday started is a topic of debate among experts.
Some historians believe that the concept of Black Friday originated in the 19th century when retailers in Philadelphia used the day after Thanksgiving to encourage shopping. Others argue that the term was first used in the 1960s to describe the heavy traffic and congestion in the city of Philadelphia on the day after Thanksgiving.
Regardless of the exact origin, it is widely accepted that Black Friday became a national phenomenon in the 1980s, when retailers began promoting the day as a day of massive discounts and sales. This marked the beginning of the modern Black Friday shopping experience that we know today.
As the years went by, Black Friday expanded beyond the United States and became a global shopping event. Today, it is celebrated in various countries, with each region having its own unique customs and traditions.
Understanding the history of Black Friday not only sheds light on its origins but also highlights the changing landscape of retail and consumer behavior. From a simple day of shopping to a global shopping event, Black Friday has become a symbol of the power of consumerism and the relentless pursuit of deals.
